I was ordained as a deacon in St. Paul’s Cathedral on 26th June 2004. By a lovely coincidence this was my mum’s 60th birthday too. This is her looking so beautiful on the day outside of the cathedral along with much loved aunts Maria, Julia and Lindy
My years in Durham studying theology and training for ordination were the happiest years of many happy adult years. Studying the beauty of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ in the most beautiful surroundings of the cathedral, abbey house, St. John’s college, all wrapped around by the peaceful and stunning river wear, was an absolute privilege and blessing.
In September 2003 two beautiful friends (inside and out) got married. I was quite possibly the worst best man ever, but I will forever remember the lovely wedding service on the stunning Dingle peninsula with mount Brandon and Atlantic beaches looking majestic all around us. NB I was suitably attired on the day, but this one of me is taken on a lovely Sunday morning when I could relax in the knowledge that I could not mess anything else mup! But seriously, I will forever count it the honour of my life that Lindsay asked me to be his best man. He has always been someone I have been in awe of (his character, superman fitness, and devotion to friendship, to name just three reasons among countless), so it blew me away that he would even consider me.
One added bonus of the loveliness of longborough is that it is only an hour away from Oxford. During a holiday with Harry and Mum, Mum and I spent a lovely summer afternoon visiting my favourite places in Oxford. Top of my list of places to go were always the river and New College gardens
Christmas was always a special time too. This photo from Christmas 2017 was a very happy memory, enjoying the beautiful Carols from King’s College service on tv in front of a lovely fire.
I love this picture of Imogen on her 5th birthday playing with a bubble maker in the garden ??
I had such a lovely birthday on May Day 2018 with my precious friends from Oxford days and their lovely families. They are so dear to me and I will treasure the memories of that day in hove lawns and beside the lagoon.
More photos to follow…(I rely on my family and friends for photographic evidence that I have done anything in my life!!)
Our winter training camps were on Lake Banyoles where the 1992 Olympic regatta had been held. I was such a beautiful spot and we’d do our seat racing there, which moved me up the rankings as my ergonometer times were never good enough to put me in the top eight.
I love this photo of us enjoying fish and chips on the pier after our ride on the big wheel. Mummy left a gap on the bench to take the photo and I think Daddy must’ve said something funny when the photo was being take! The joy on Imogen’s face is so lovely. Simple pleasures by the sea.
